samurai's face; honor as a samurai
Historical term referring to a samurai's personal honor or dignity, often tied to the idea of being worthy of the sword one carries. Rare in modern usage outside historical or literary contexts.
For the sake of my honor as a samurai, I cannot do anything cowardly.
Compound of 刀 (katana, 'sword') and 手前 (temae, 'before one's hand; one's honor or position'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase metaphorically links a samurai's sword to his personal honor.